The World’s Most Romantic Island Getaways

Despite the intimacy of its 12 secluded villas styled with thatched roofs and African prints, the adults-only Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort still sits entirely under-the-radar. We chalk it up to its far-flung locale in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique, but trust us—the unspoiled beauty of this part of the world is well worth trekking to. Whether you’re lounging on your sundeck, dipping in your plunge pool, snuggling in the shade of a cabana, or cooling off in your garden shower, it’s a slice of paradise you have to see to believe. Looking for something even more remote (for a proposal, perhaps)? Book their Star Bed Experience to be whisked away to an uninhabited island for sunset, a picnic dinner, and a night sleeping under the stars.

Talk about exclusive: only 28 guests at a time are ever allowed on Turtle Island, a couples-only retreat with just 14 villas. Upon arrival, couples are assigned a bure (personal concierge) for the duration of their stay to ensure the utmost attention to detail. Though you’ll enjoy a semi-private experience regardless of whether you’re snorkeling, sailing, fishing, or horseback riding, any experience can also be specially arranged as a private couples outing that involves—get this—booking a private beach to ensure your afternoon goes by without disturbance.

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In the heart of Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, you’ll find Hayman Island, a 988-acre private island hideaway home to just one hotel: the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. In addition to offering unparalleled access to the island’s ever-changing beachfront and diverse marine life, the resort offers a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that showcase the beauty of its surrounds, from helicopter rides over the outer Great Barrier Reef to inner-reef snorkeling and scuba diving to luxury yacht cruises bound for Whitehaven Beach—widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From young, adventurous couples to older twosomes, the variety of experiences here make it an idyllic escape for anyone.

Grand Cayman proves you don’t need to travel far to experience a cultural, culinary getaway. While many island destinations rely on imported produce, Grand Cayman’s many restaurants—Agua and The Wharf are two favorites—are famous for featuring local fruits, vegetables, and game in addition to seafood. In other words, get ready for date night every night! Head on over to the newly developed Camana Bay for their weekly Flavour Tour, which educates visitors (and locals) on the ingredients available in the Cayman’s backyard, and don’t miss annual epicurean events like the Cayman Cookout hosted by celebrated chef Eric Ripert. Guests who check into The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman get special access to Cayman Cookout events—not to mention front-row seats to the island’s beloved Seven Mile Beach.

Although it’s impossible to deny Thailand’s allure, finding romantic, private lodging isn’t always easy on its tourist-populated islands. Our recommendation: after flying into Koh Samui, avoid the crowds by skipping on over to Cape Fahn, an island separated from the mainland. Couples are whisked uphill by golf cart to one of the private island hotel’s individual villas, each outfitted with infinity plunge pools, traditional Thai architecture, and floor-to-ceiling window with sprawling views of the Gulf of Thailand. There’s not much else to do on this island; here, doing nothing is an itinerary, and luxury, in itself.

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Bermuda’s famed pink sand, old-world British charm, and sheltered south shore make it a popular honeymooner’s paradise. That it’s just a short plane trip from New York City, Boston, Miami and Atlanta makes it easy, too, for a long weekend away without the fuss. The Loren at Pink Beach, the island’s newest resort, offers beachfront access and an infinity pool that appears like it melts right into the turquoise sea. Inside, rooms are island-chic with contemporary furnishings and linen spreads, not to mention uninterrupted views of those dreamy waters. Check in and prepare to unwind—it’s the island’s specialty. 

You need to take a charter flight, helicopter, or seaplane from Andros Island to reach Kamalame Cay, an all-inclusive that occupies its own 96-acre island, and once you’re there, you’ll feel worlds away. Just a smattering of rooms, suites, beach bungalows, and Bali-inspired villas, which sit tucked into jungle and coconut palms, feel like islands of their own, and there are untouched pockets of beach where strung-up hammocks and shady palapas perfectly fit two. The family-run resort is accustomed to making every detail special, whether that’s keeping guests active with paddle-boarding and snorkeling sessions or hosting personalized seaside dinners by candlelight. We love that Kamalame even curates an ‘unplugged’ itinerary—a stay without television or internet—so you can truly connect with your other half.

At 45-minute luxury boat transfer with a glass of champagne (or two) to welcome you to island life at Parrot Cay, a 1,000-acre island removed from mainland Providenciales that’s renowned for attracting celebrity guests. Thankfully, you don’t have to be Hollywood royalty to earn VIP status at COMO Parrot Cay. Couples won’t go wrong with renting one of their private villas, which each come with their own private beachfront, plunge pool, and catered in-room dining so you can make the most out of every minute together. Craft a personalized itinerary or book the Paradise for Two package, which includes a COMO Shambhala couple’s massage and candlelit dinner in the resort’s tiki hut.

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Just off the coast of Nicaragua’s lesser-visited Caribbean side lies Calala Island, where four beachfront villas blend Caribbean luxury with Latin American soul and every guest is treated to a completely customizable itinerary. Here, it’s all about the balance between barefoot luxury and adventure. A stay rooted in romance may include private lunches on Little Calala Island, stargazing on the pier with cocktails, a beachside couple’s massage, or an island-hopping excursion to explore the greater Pearl Cays.

For a soulful stay rooted in island culture, what better place to jet to than Jamaica? Check in to Round Hill Hotel and Villas on southwest Montego Bay for access to a playful combination of water sports, relaxation, and gastronomical experiences. Kick things up a notch by renting one of their standalone cottages, which feature furniture by Ralph Lauren and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. After snorkeling in the resort’s private bay, rent a car and explore Montego Bay’s budding culinary scene. Whatever you do, don’t miss Zimbali Retreat, a farm-to-table favorite tucked into the island’s secluded mountains.

Okinawa’s lush subtropical rainforests and cerulean waters make it an unexpected island oasis in the Pacific Ocean—particularly for wellness seekers. (The Okinawa diet is said to contribute to the indigenous islander’s longevity.) Visit a local farm for an introduction to the island’s native ingredients, take a dip in natural hot springs, then check into the blissfully secluded oceanside Halekulani Okinawa, the hot new spot to stay in Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park whose spa blends Okinawan and Hawaiian healing methods.

It takes a 25-minute boat ride from El Nido to reach Pangulasian Island, one of the Bacuit archipelago isles in the Philippines. A protected marine sanctuary, Pangulasian is a dream for divers: adventurous couples spend their days here exploring underwater worlds and cruising around the surrounding picturesque karst cliffs. Whether or not you’re a diver, it’s easy to fall under the spell of El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island, whose 42 Filipino-style villas—choose between ones in the forest canopy, on the beach, or those that come with their own pool—are luxuriously spacious and sit sandwiched between tropical jungle and white-sand beach .

The British Overseas Territory of Anguilla is a charming island escape for any couple in search of complete rest and relaxation. The island’s west end is home to Belmond Cap Juluca, where all 108 rooms have private access to the calm waters of Maundays Beach—it’s one of the most awarded beaches in the Caribbean—and are just a barefoot stroll away from the Bay area. Sip rum punch at The Cap Shack and fresh juice at Cip’s by Cipriani between biking, sailing, and surfing to no end, and you’ll quickly begin to feel like you’re on an island of your own.

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Hailed as the Dive Capital of the World and only an hour south of Miami, Key Largo is a no-brainer when it comes to planning a spontaneous seaside couple’s weekend. Enjoy a day at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which features water sports for any level, from diving among shipwrecks to fishing and classic boat excursions. Spend the rest of your time lounging at the all-new Baker’s Cay Resort. While the resort’s main beachfront and Tiki Bar are perfect for afternoons in the sun, don’t miss out on the opportunity to snag a hammock with your other half for some alone time on a more secluded area of the property.

With its turquoise blue waters and ubiquitous overwater bungalows, the Maldives are undoubtedly one of the most romantic island getaways in the world. One of our favorites is COMO Maalifushi, the only resort on the southern island of Thaa Atoll. With offers like “Romantic Beach Dinner” and “Romantic Sailing,” COMO caters to the couple in search of true pampering. Whether you’re dining under the stars or sailing into sunset with a glass of champagne in one hand and your other intertwined with another’s, you’re sure to be spoiled rotten in one of the most unspoiled islands in the Indian Ocean. 

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Off the northeast coast of Zanzibar lies tiny Mnemba Island, less than a mile in circumference and surrounded by coral reefs. At any given time, only 24 guests are on the island, allowing for an unforgettable personalized and private experience. Those who come stay in one of 12 beachside bandas at andBeyond Mnemba Island, where perks include late breakfast trays delivered beachside (for those who prefer to spend a little more time in bed) and champagne and canapes to enjoy while watching the sunset. 

While many adventures to the Galapagos Islands involve a cruise, for travelers who really want to immerse themselves, Pikaia Lodge offers the best of both worlds—overnights at its sustainable-chic resort and a luxury yacht for daytime outings. Built on one of the property’s main craters, the Pool Suite is idyllic for couples itching to get closer to nature with its floor-to-ceiling windows, plunge pool and lounge area, and spacious bathtub looking out towards Santa Cruz Island. During the day, small-group outings acquaint quests with famed Galapagos wildlife like the giant tortoise—perfect memory-makers to relive during relaxing dips in the infinity pool back at Pikaia.